A new group exhibition titled 'Football City, Art United' has opened at Aviva Studios in Manchester, pairing 11 legendary footballers with 11 contemporary artists to create original artworks inspired by the sport. Co-curated by footballer Juan Mata, curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, and filmmaker Josh Wilding, the show features painting, video, performance, architectural interventions, and playable installations, including highlights such as Stefano Boeri's immersive arena 'The Playmaker' and Paul Pfeiffer and Edgar Davids' sound-light installation 'Crowds and Power.' The exhibition runs through August 24, 2025.
This exhibition matters because it bridges two seemingly distinct disciplines—art and football—revealing shared energies of drive, discipline, and instinct. By bringing together international athletes and contemporary artists, it expands the cultural conversation around sport, exploring its emotional, political, and social dimensions beyond the pitch. The collaboration also underscores Manchester's role as a hub for innovative cultural programming, with Factory International and Aviva Studios hosting a show that attracts both art and sports audiences.